Toyota Australia president Matthew Callachor said the company's success was outstanding in its first year after the closure of local manufacturing.

"Our sales increase in 2018 and, indeed, over the past four years demonstrates the positive impact from our strengthened focus on guest satisfaction at all levels of our operation," Mr Callachor said.

"We appreciate the loyalty of so many people in the Toyota family and we are confident we can continue to earn their on-going support through our continued investment in world-leading vehicles and guest-focused initiatives," he said.

"This year will benefit from the arrival of the next-generation RAV4, the iconic Supra sports car and the stylish and dynamic Corolla sedan, among others. Importantly, both RAV4 and Corolla sedan will offer hybrid variants for the first time."

During 2018, HiLux and the LandCruiser family (70, 200 and Prado) both reached cumulative sales of one million vehicles in Australia, joining Corolla which achieved the feat in 2007.

RAV4 was Toyota's most popular SUV with a gain of 5.2 per cent for an all-time high of 22,165 sales.

Also setting annual records, Prado delivered an upturn of 16.1 per cent to 18,553 sales, Kluger was up 17.9 per cent to 14,743 sales and C-HR grew 53.5 per cent to 9,716 sales.

TOYOTA HILUX BECOMES A MILLIONAIRE

Australia's favourite ute, Toyota HiLux, has celebrated half a century of hard yakka in the hands of local customers by recording its one-millionth sale.

The HiLux milestone has been achieved during the venerable ute's golden jubilee, marking 50 years since the nameplate entered the market in 1968.

HiLux is the third Toyota nameplate to achieve seven-figure sales in Australia, following Corolla in 2007 and the LandCruiser family, also in 2018.

Now in its eighth generation, HiLux has become a byword for strength, building a widely respected reputation for being "unbreakable".

As well as passing the "magic million", HiLux achieved record sales in 2018. It was Australia's best-selling vehicle for the third consecutive year and the top-selling commercial vehicle for the 21st year in a row.

HiLux has also extended its unbroken run as the top-selling vehicle in Western Australia to 11 years, in Queensland to 12 years and in the Northern Territory to a remarkable 18 years.

Toyota Australia's president Matthew Callachor said the success of HiLux has been its ability to stay ahead of the times throughout its 50-year history.

"Australians love HiLux because it has always been rugged, dependable, affordable and efficient," Mr Callachor said.

"Its original appeal as a truck for farmers and miners has evolved so that HiLux is now a comprehensive high-tech range that is stronger and more refined than ever," he said.

"As a tool of trade, HiLux inspires go-anywhere confidence with its legendary ruggedness; it also delivers owners and their families the latest safety features plus SUV levels of interior quality, comfort and technology.

"I'd like to thank Australian drivers for their support for Toyota HiLux over the last 50 years."

The total of one million HiLux sales is comprised of 590,000 4x4 variants and 410,000 4x2 sales.

Globally, the HiLux tally is more than 18.5 million, which means Australia accounts for more than five per cent of all sales.

HiLux through the generations

The world's most popular utility started life in March 1968 as a 4x2 pick-up with a small-capacity petrol engine and manual transmission.

It has since progressed markedly with the introduction of diesel and later turbo-diesel power, 4x4 variants, automatic transmissions, higher specification for recreational use, and sophisticated twin and quad cam petrol engines.

HiLux has lived up to its "unbreakable" reputation by overcoming extraordinary challenges, including attempts to "kill" it by the BBC's Top Gear TV program.

It has conquered the Arctic, becoming the first car to reach the Magnetic North Pole, and was driven to the heart of the devastating Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajökull.

HiLux has been produced in as many as 12 countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa and Thailand. Vehicles for Australia are produced in Thailand.

First generation, 1968
Its name came from a combination of "high" and "luxury"; HiLux was initially engineered and built by truck specialist Hino. It began its illustrious career as a short-wheelbase 4x2 pick-up with a 1.5-litre petrol engine delivering 55kW and a four-speed manual gearbox.

Second generation, 1972
A full model change included new styling, greater safety, stronger brakes, five-speed transmission and the introduction of models including high-grade SR5.

Third generation, 1978
HiLux continued to carve out a firm global foothold with the arrival of 4x4 variants and its first diesel engine. A new double-cab body - with front and rear bench seats and comforts such as power steering, air-conditioning and cruise control - enabled HiLux to be used for leisure as well as being a tough workhorse.

Fifth generation, 1988
HiLux performance, utility and durability were enhanced by the introduction of a V6 petrol and new 2.8-litre diesel engine, delivering powerful performance ideal for commercial and recreational use.

Sixth generation, 1997
HiLux was redesigned with increased head and leg room while significant attention was paid to exterior styling, ride comfort and safety. The WorkMate range was introduced, along with new petrol engines and the first turbo-diesel engine.

Seventh generation, 2005
This generation introduced a 4.0-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine, 2.7-litre twin-cam four-cylinder petrol and a common-rail turbo-diesel engine as well as continual improvements to safety and comfort.